Essay Comparing Young Goodman Brown And The Rocking Horse Winner

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In the short stories of “The Rocking-Horse Winner” and “Young Goodman Brown”, the main characters depict themselves as a conflict driven hero. The two main characters, Paul from “The Rocking-Horse Winner” and Goodman from “Young Goodman Brown” face similar circumstances which plays a part in the traits they portray, and the internal battles faced by both, insinuate they’re very nature, along with their characteristics. D. H. Lawrence and Nathaniel Hawthorne developed their conflict-driven heroes using setting, conflict and characterization.
“The Rocking-Horse Winner” takes place in London, England after World War I. The main character Paul was born in a family without financial stability. Due to recent events and his young age, Paul …show more content…

Whether or not the main character, Goodman, is informed about the witch trials is not given, but having a Puritan upbringing and resident of Salem, he must of knew something about the trails that took place. Which brings us to his constant battle of good or evil. His world is turned upside down when he observes the whole town, including his respected religious leaders of Salem village, taking part in satanic rituals. Which again stirs up this enter conflict of remaining good or becoming evil. Even though those around him are secretly committing acts that are …show more content…

A quote from the story, states, “The boy saw she did not believe him; or rather, that she paid no attention to his assertion. This anger in him somehow, made him want to compel her attention.” (40) His deep seeded desire to please his mother and receive her attention was nothing more than a little boy wanting his mother’s approval of his existence. This began to devour him and warp his mind to constantly get validation of his existence, only to kill him in the end. “The Rocking-Horse Winner” and Young Goodman Brown” both face to please the ones they love and at the same time causes them to lose

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